Montana-based fleet set to begin U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour

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The 53rd U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is loaded onto a custom-wrapped Kenworth T680 Advantage.The 53rd U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is loaded onto a custom-wrapped Kenworth T680 Advantage.

Billings, Montana-based Whitewood Transport driver Larry Spiekermeier has started the nearly 3,000-mile journey from northwestern Montana to Washington, D.C., hauling the 79-foot U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.

The tree was cut down in the Kootenai National Forest and loaded onto a specialized trailer being pulled by a customized Kenworth T680 Advantage. The truck’s distinctive decal design features the 2017 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and the words “Big Sky. Big Tree. Big Journey.” The T680 also includes the logo of Whitewood Transport.

During its journey from Montana to the nation’s capital, the tree will make stops in communities in Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Kentucky before completing the trip on Monday, Nov. 27, when it will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol. The tour begins Monday, Nov. 13 in Eureka, Montana, and ends Sunday, Nov. 26 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.